Senecio barbertonicus or Barberton groundsel

Care of the succulent plant Senecio barbertonicus or Barberton groundsel

The genus Senecio, family Asteraceae, comprises 1,6000 species of herbaceous succulent plants and shrubs distributed over all continents. Some species are: Senecio barbertonicus, Senecio angulatus, Senecio mandraliscae, Senecio stapeliiformis, Senecio serpens, Senecio kleinia, Senecio pseudolongifolius, Senecio elegans, Senecio bicolor, Senecio mikanioides, Senecio jacobsenii, Senecio cruentus, Senecio scaposus, Senecio macroglossus, Senecio compactus, Senecio petasitis, Senecio rowleyanus.

Common names: Barberton groundsel, Succulent bush senecio, Barberton senecio, Barberton coltsfoot, Lemon bean bush, Finger-leaved senecio. This species is native to Southern Africa.

They are succulent plants with a shrubby habit that reach 2 meters (6.56") in height. The fleshy, cylindrical leaves are finger-shaped, pointed, light or dark green, and have 3-4 longitudinal veins. The showy, scented yellow tubular flowers appear in flat clusters. They bloom in winter.

They are used in rockery, on dry and sunny slopes, to form bushy groups and in pots and planters.

Barberton's Senecio can grow in full sun exposure but prefers light shade. They resist occasional frosts down to -4 ºC (24.8 ºF).

They can grow in poor, sandy soils, but they appreciate well-drained soil that contains organic matter. The transplant is done in autumn.

Water moderately in spring and summer, waiting until the soil has dried; they resist drought well. In autumn reduce watering and do not water in winter.

Fertilize once in late fall with mineral fertilizer for succulents.

Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact appearance.

They are plants resistant to pests and diseases if there is not excess watering.

They are propagated from cuttings that will be allowed to dry for 10 days before planting them in a sandy substrate in summer or late spring.